Anthropology at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,178/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #129 of 178 Anthropology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Anthropology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $499K $498K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.8x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,680
Out-of-state: $179,788 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,828
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,195
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Riverside's Anthropology program produces graduates earning $26,178/yr — within striking distance of the $28,155 national average for this field.

A 8.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Anthropology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,250 against $26,178/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #129 ranking among 178 Anthropology programs places University of California-Riverside in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,178-to-$44,195 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Riverside

University of California-Riverside's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 22,644 students in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Riverside →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary $95,770/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Anthropology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Riverside

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Anthropology at University of California-Riverside?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Anthropology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Anthropology at University of California-Riverside?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →